During Largillière's long life portraiture evolved to satisfy new
patrons from the wealthy bourgeoisie. Elizabeth Throckmorton was an English
Catholic whose family left England rather than acknowledge its Protestant
church. She entered an Augustinian house in Paris and served twice as
Mother Superior before her death in 1760. Largillière's great facility
with color shows in the complex pleats of her robe, the transparency of her
dark veil, and the delicacy of her complexion. The fragile hues and soft
atmosphere complement her calm beauty.